Mercedes was one of many very first automakers out of the gate with an electrical camper van, and it is revealed two completely different e-camper packages and a succesful 250-mile (402-km) forthcoming eSprinter that guarantees to make a strong RV base car. It plans to proceed that market management as its vans division prepares for the longer term with a modular, scalable electrical structure known as VAN.EA, which is able to underpin its subsequent era of electrical van merchandise. From there, Mercedes will aggressively develop choices, launching extra e-camper van merchandise and its first midsize luxurious van for the US.
Mercedes non-commercial midsize passenger vans just like the V-Class and EQV have by no means been on provide within the US, however that is all set to vary within the coming years. Mercedes introduced on Tuesday that it’s going to provide a midsize luxurious passenger van within the States for the primary time.
The brand new electrical midsize shall be primarily based on the Van Electrical Structure (VAN.EA) that Mercedes will introduce in 2026. The passenger car aspect of that structure, VAN.EA-P, will provide a deliberate vary above 310 miles (500 km). The vans will launch with Stage 2 automated driving capabilities, and Mercedes plans to up the ante to Stage 3 by the tip of the last decade.
Mercedes-Benz Vans
The VAN.EA platform may also underpin a full lineup of midsize and full-size industrial vans. Mercedes doesn’t give an estimated vary for these merchandise, however it’s aiming to advance to Stage 4 autonomy on the industrial aspect by decade’s finish.
The brand new Van Electrical platform may also be designed with RV conversions in thoughts. Mercedes-Benz plans to leverage the platform towards turning into a pacesetter in factory-built camper vans, launching each midsize and full-size VAN.EA Class Bs. Mercedes does not specify whether or not the brand new e-camper van lineup will observe its electrical luxurious van to the US, the place the corporate beforehand experimented with the short-lived Metris Weekender, but it surely does qualify the US as a essential a part of its higher plan to extend international van gross sales.
Mercedes-Benz Vans
The VAN.EA platform itself will function a scalable, three-module design, beginning with a entrance module comprising the electrical powertrain and entrance axle. This space would be the identical throughout all van sizes and kinds. The center module will scale the van size and in addition include the battery, which shall be provided in several capacities. The rear module shall be accessible with an electrical motor for all-wheel-drive vans and with out for front-wheel-drive fashions.
Earlier than Mercedes-Benz Vans will get to introducing the VAN.EA household, it can revamp its European midsize lineup this summer season. The corporate says that the brand new midsize vans will embody exterior and inside design modifications, together with consolation enhancements and have updates.
And judging from the beneath teaser, the brand new vans may also embody an large quantity of grille.
Mercedes-Benz
Supply: Mercedes-Benz